The portals for one of the most revered shrines of the Sikh community, Hemkund Sahib are opened for the devotees in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Sunday. According to the official information, the doors for the shrine were opened at 10 am today.The information was shared by the Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib Trust Management on Thursday. the management also informed that on account of heavy snowfall, only 1800 devotees will be sent in the first batch from Ghangharia from Govindghat Gurudwara with holy trail led by Panj Pyaras on Friday and witnessed the auspicious occasion of the opening of kapats on Saturday morning.Reportedly, Narendrajit Singh Bindra, Chairman of Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, presented the holy Nishan Saropa to Panj Pyaras. The Panj pyaras left for the Hemkund Sahib with the tune of the band of former soldiers on Friday morning.Only 2,500 devotees will be allowed to visit Gurudwara in a day. Apart from this, senior citizens above 60 years and children are not allowed to travel at this time. It is also anticipated that the number of devotees allowed to visit the shrine will also be restricted till the snow melts by June.Chamoli Collector Himanshu Khurana inspected the area from Govind Ghat and reached Hemkund Sahib. During his visit, he also instructed the officials to make all the necessary arrangements for the devotees. He also directed the officials to hectometre stones and signage for the convenience of the pilgrims. The officials were also instructed to make arrangements for the water ATMs in Ghangharia and also relief posts on the way.State Disaster Response Fund (SRDF) has been deployed at the main halts of Hemkund Sahib for the smooth and safe journey of all the devotees.
